Tracey Shepherd captured this image of a water bomber fighting Sunday’s fire at Uleybury.
THE Country Fire Service has been left disappointed after reports were made of an unauthorised drone being flown close to the fireground at Templers on Friday.
Though the operator of the drone complied with CFS’ request to cease using the drone, manager of State Air Operations Nik Stanley said it was an “added concern” for crews.
"Firegrounds are incredibly complex and the unauthorised use of drones is not acceptable," he said.
"During the Kangaroo Island fires earlier this year, we had to ground our firebombers and aerial support because members of the public were using drones. It was a massive waste of our time and resources.”
A strict 5 nautical mile (9.2 kilometre) exclusion zone exists for all unauthorised aircraft around firegrounds.
Breaching this exclusion zone, or interfering with aerial firefighting, is illegal, and can carry heavy fines if found guilty.
According to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, drone operators are not permitted to fly the model aircraft near emergency situations or in a way that creates a hazard to another person, aircraft or property.
Fines of up to $1100 can be issued per offence.
If individuals are found to be operating a drone in a way that is hazardous to other aircraft, the penalty can be up to two years in prison and/or a fine up to $26,640.
